Private Kentucky college makes tuition-free offer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A small Appalachian college is dangling an appealing offer in front of its freshmen - get good grades and volunteer and you can skip paying tuition your final semester as a senior.

Union College President Marcia Hawkins sees the unique offer as a way to boost student retention and graduation rates at the private liberal arts college in Barbourville in southeastern Kentucky.

The school says just over half its freshmen generally return as sophomores and only 14 percent graduate within four years.

The tuition-free offer amounts to about $10,500 in savings based on current tuition rates.

But the offer comes with conditions. To qualify for the full tuition waiver, students must graduate in four years, maintain a 3.5 grade point average and volunteer least 75 hours of community service.

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